US Plug-In Solar Tracker · Updated May 2026
Know the law
before you plug in.
Plug-in solar is legal in 2 states, pending in 2, and not yet legal in 46 others. Find your rules, calculate savings, and help push your state.
What is Plug-In Solar?
What is Plug-In Solar?
No roof work needed
Balcony or window-mounted panels sit on a railing or lean against a wall. No drilling into the roof, no structural work, no permit in most states.
Plug into a normal outlet
The panel connects to a microinverter that converts solar DC to household AC. You literally plug it into a standard 120V outlet — the same as a lamp.
Cuts your electricity bill
Every watt the panel generates offsets what you would have drawn from the grid. A 600W kit can save $150–$400/year depending on your location and rate.
Renters can use it too
Because there's no permanent installation, renters and condo owners can benefit from solar for the first time. Take it with you when you move.
Plug-in solar (also called balcony solar or micro solar) is already mainstream in Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria with millions of units deployed. US states are rapidly legalizing it — check your state's status in the table below, or read our full beginner's guide.
State Status
Full comparison →Legal Status by State
Savings Calculator
Utah defaults — select a state or visit any state page
More States Considering This
How to push your state →Hawaii has the highest electricity rates in the US at $0.39/kWh, creating compelling economics for plug-in solar. With excellent sun hours, payback would be among the fastest in the nation. No specific balcony solar bill introduced, but the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has shown interest in distributed generation expansion.
Massachusetts has the highest residential electricity rates in the continental US at $0.28/kWh — making the payback case for plug-in solar exceptionally strong. Consumer advocates and renters groups are pushing for legislation. No bill introduced as of May 2026, but expected in the 2026–2027 session.
California has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation ($0.27/kWh and rising). Multiple clean energy advocacy groups have pushed for a balcony solar law modeled on Germany's Balkonkraftwerk standard. No state bill has been introduced as of May 2026, but the California Public Utilities Commission is studying the issue.
Connecticut has some of the highest electricity rates in the US ($0.24/kWh), making payback periods very attractive. Advocacy groups are pushing for a balcony solar bill modeled on Maine's LD 1368. No bill introduced as of May 2026.
Rhode Island has very high electricity rates ($0.24/kWh) and a progressive renewable energy policy track record. No specific balcony solar bill introduced but strong advocacy interest as of May 2026.
New Hampshire has high electricity rates ($0.23/kWh) and an active clean energy policy environment. Advocacy groups are tracking the progress of Maine's law as a potential model. No bill introduced as of May 2026.
New York's Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiative has opened the door to distributed energy, but a specific plug-in solar law has not yet been enacted. With rates averaging $0.23/kWh, the economics are compelling. Assembly bill discussions are ongoing.
Alaska's high electricity rates make solar appealing in principle, but extremely limited sun hours outside of summer months make plug-in solar less practical. No balcony solar legislation has been introduced.
Vermont has high electricity rates ($0.21/kWh) and one of the most progressive renewable energy policy environments in the US. Green Mountain Power has piloted innovative grid programs. No plug-in solar bill introduced as of May 2026, but strong conditions for near-term adoption.
Recent Updates
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